Joyce Ellen Turner

Joyce Ellen Turner, 84 of Bennington, VT, passed away peacefully with her sons by her side, at the Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington on February 12, 2025.

Born on March 15, 1940, in Cambridge, New York, Joyce was the daughter of the late Edward Dougherty and Florence (Dougherty) Carver. She was raised in Hoosick Falls and received her early education there before graduating from the University at Albany in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in Finance.

On September 1, 1962, Joyce married Duncan Turner at the Immaculate Conception Church in Hoosick Falls. The couple shared more than 48 loving years together before Duncan’s passing in 2011.

Joyce began her professional career teaching math at Mechanicville Public School and Molly Stark School. She later worked at UST and ultimately spent 17 years in the Finance Department at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.

A devoted member of Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Church, Elks Lodge and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 13 in Bennington, Joyce lived a life rooted in faith, service, and community.

In her earlier years, Joyce looked forward to living in Edgewater, FL during the winter months with her husband. She enjoyed reading, walking, flowers, gardening, NASCAR, connecting with so many of her friends, and most of all, being with her family. Joyce loved spending time with her family. Her greatest pride was her grandchildren, whose lives she followed with loving enthusiasm—especially their sporting events.

Joyce is survived by two sons and their wives: Cailean and Christi Turner of Cary, NC and Neal and Megan Turner of Hoosick Falls, NY, a daughter-in-law, Michele Turner of New Smyrna Beach, FL and her cherished grandchildren: Ian, Sarah, Gavin, Neal Thomas, Carly and Myles Turner. She is also survived by her stepbrother James Carver, her sister-in-law Sandra Howard, and nephews AJ DeBell and Kyle Howard. In addition to her late husband, Joyce was predeceased by her loving son, Eric Turner and her stepbrother Richard Carver.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Church in Bennington. A graveside service will follow at Park Lawn Cemetery.

In honor of Joyce’s memory, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org or through the office of Mahar and Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201.